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Home » Kitchen Tips & Tricks » Baking Tutorials » How to Fill Muffin Tins
trick for filling muffin tins
October 19, 2010

How to Fill Muffin Tins

From the Kitchen of Katie Kick

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Learn how to fill muffin tins the easy way! This simple trick ensures perfectly portioned cupcakes and muffins—no drips, no mess, and no wasted batter. A game-changer for bakers of all levels!

About this Handy Trick

For a long time, I avoided making muffins and cupcakes because filling the tins was such a hassle. No matter how careful I was, I’d end up with batter dripping onto the counter, sticky fingers, and unevenly sized cupcakes.

But all of that changed when I discovered this one simple trick—and now, filling muffin tins is actually fast, easy, and mess-free.

It’s a game-changer, especially when baking with kids. My son, Logan, has mastered it, and even my younger daughter, Madeline, loves giving it a try. If you’re still using a spoon to fill your muffin tins, trust me—you’ll want to switch to this method. It’s so much easier!

★★★★★

Reader says –

“I started doing this a few years ago and after I’d done it once or twice I thought ‘WHY did I never do this before?!’ It definitely makes the job much easier—especially with kids involved! This is such a great tip to pass on!”

Filling Muffin Tins without the Mess

The secret? A cookie scoop!

I started using this trick about a year ago, and it instantly made baking muffins and cupcakes so much simpler. Instead of awkwardly spooning batter from the bowl and making a mess, I now scoop, squeeze, and release. That’s it!

This method ensures perfectly portioned, evenly sized muffins every time, which means they bake more evenly and look bakery-perfect.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

✔ Evenly Portioned Cupcakes & Muffins – No more guessing! Every muffin is the same size.

✔ Less Mess – No more batter dripped on the counter or stuck to the edges of the pan.

✔ Faster Baking Prep – Breeze through large batches in no time.

✔ Kid-Friendly – A great way to get kids involved in baking!

Tools Needed for Filling Muffin Tins

You only need one simple tool that you might not already have:

  • Cupcake Liners (if needed for your recipe)
  • Large Cookie Scoop (for standard muffins/cupcakes) → Get a large cookie scoop here
  • Small Cookie Scoop (for mini muffins) → Get a small cookie scoop here
  • Muffin Tins – Standard or mini size
trick for filling muffin tins

How to Fill Muffin Tins

Without the Mess!

Using a cookie scoop is the easiest way to fill cupcake liners neatly and evenly. Here’s how:

  1. Scoop the Batter – Use a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons) for standard cupcakes/muffins or a small scoop (1 tablespoon) for mini muffins.
  2. Release the Batter – Hold the scoop over the muffin tin and squeeze the handle to release.
  3. Repeat & Bake – Fill all the liners evenly, then bake according to your recipe.

That’s it! No dripping batter everywhere, no sticky hands, and perfectly portioned muffins every time. Can you believe how easy it is?

trick for muffins and cupcakes

Tips and Tricks for Success

  • Use the Right Scoop Size – A large scoop is ideal for regular cupcakes, while a small scoop works best for minis.
  • Even Batter Distribution – This trick helps ensure consistent baking times since all muffins will be the same size.
  • Fast Cleanup – No more batter-covered spoons—just rinse the scoop and you’re done!
  • Perfect for Kids – Let little helpers try filling the tins—it’s fun and easy for them to do!

Muffin & Cupcake Recipes to Try This Trick With

This simple trick makes baking cupcakes and muffins so much easier! Try it with these delicious recipes:

Sour Cream Cupcakes – Moist, fluffy, and rich in vanilla flavor, these cupcakes are a foolproof option for those who love a bakery-style texture.

Vanilla Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting – Classic vanilla cupcakes with a rich and creamy vanilla bean cream cheese frosting. A must-try for birthdays or any special occasion!

High-Protein Pumpkin Muffins – These wholesome pumpkin muffins are packed with protein and perfect for a quick breakfast or post-workout snack.

Honey Cornbread Muffins – Lightly sweetened with honey, these cornbread muffins are soft and moist with just the right amount of crumble. Great alongside chili or BBQ!

FAQs

Got questions about how to fill muffin tins? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

How much batter should I put in each cupcake liner?

For standard cupcakes, fill liners about ⅔ full to allow room for rising. Mini cupcakes need about ¾ full since they bake quickly.

Can I use a different scoop?

Yes, it doesn’t have to be any specific brand as long as it is a scoop with a squeeze handle that holds 3 tablespoons will work for standard muffins. A 1-tablespoon scoop works well for minis.

Does this trick work for all batters?

Yes! Whether your batter is thick (like pumpkin muffins) or thinner (like classic vanilla cupcakes), using a scoop keeps portions even.

Try This Muffin Tin Trick Today!

If you’ve never used a cookie scoop for filling cupcake tins, I highly recommend it! It makes baking so much easier—you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

Have you used this trick before? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear your favorite time-saving baking hacks.

On Instagram?

Tag me @goodlifeeats #goodlifeeatsrecipes when you try this trick—I love seeing what you’re baking!

★★★★★

Reader Review

“We love many of the Pampered Chef products AND use the cookie scoop for dropping our muffin batter into the pans, too. It really does save the mess – which saves the clean-up!”

More Kitchen Tips & Tricks

Looking for more helpful kitchen hacks? Check these out:

  • How to Make a Lattice Pie Crust – Step-by-step instructions for beautiful pies!
  • How to Make Chocolate Curls – An easy way to decorate cakes and cupcakes.
  • How to Soften Butter Quickly – No more waiting for butter to soften!
  • Best Way to Cut Butter into Flour – My go-to trick for flaky pie crusts!

Who doesn’t love a good kitchen tip? Looking for more kitchen tutorials? Check out the entire Kitchen Tips and Tricks archive for lots of great ideas!


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Meet Katie Kick

My lifelong interest in cooking has shown me that part of the goodness in life is enjoying delicious food with friends and family. I love trying new foods, discovering new places & things that help my family live the good life.

More About Katie
Updated: February 20, 2025

Reader Interactions

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  1. Michelle (What's Cooking) says

    October 19, 2010 at 11:11 PM

    Eons ago, I used to be a Pampered Chef consultant…back in the day when my kids were in diapers and I longed for adult conversation. Needless to say, I LOVE those scoops and use then to fill my muffin tins too! On another note – their food chopper is a god-send when you are cooking with kids!

    Reply
  2. Jackie says

    October 19, 2010 at 8:06 PM

    That’s what I do too!!! It works sooo great!!!

    Reply
  3. Sakura says

    October 19, 2010 at 7:43 PM

    Thanks for the tip. Loved it!

    Reply
  4. Nancy-The Sensitive Pantry says

    October 19, 2010 at 6:37 PM

    Perfect! PS- this technique also works well for making whoopie pies.

    Reply
  5. Liz@ BLog is the New Black says

    October 19, 2010 at 6:22 PM

    I do the same thing with an ice cream scoop! No mess!

    Reply
  6. Denise (the apple hill adventurer) says

    October 19, 2010 at 4:53 PM

    those look DELISH!
    still no word from the guy you had me email my address to. should I be waiting for a response from him? like i said before, my email gets sent to spam a lot!

    Reply
    • Katie says

      October 19, 2010 at 4:58 PM

      I have not heard from him yet either. I will follow up tomorrow.

      Reply
  7. Wenderly says

    October 19, 2010 at 4:52 PM

    *LOVE* those muffin papers! Darling!

    Reply
  8. DessertForTwo says

    October 19, 2010 at 3:45 PM

    This is my favorite kitchen time-saver!

    Those are some cute muffin paper liners 🙂

    Reply
  9. Tessa says

    October 19, 2010 at 1:56 PM

    This is the only way I ever fill up muffin tins! Sooo much easier. Sur la table sells all different sized spring-loaded scoops that are perfect for filling muffin tins.

    Reply
  10. Erin says

    October 19, 2010 at 12:40 PM

    I use an ice cream scoop for big muffins and a cookie scoop for mini muffins. I’m a big fan – and you don’t end up with batter all over the pan between the muffins!

    Reply
  11. Catey says

    October 19, 2010 at 8:38 AM

    I started doing this a few years ago and after I’d done it once or twice I thought “WHY did I never do this before?!” It definitely makes the job much easier-especially with kids involved! This is such a great tip to pass on!

    Reply
  12. Rachel says

    October 19, 2010 at 7:44 AM

    I use the PC scoop too. Love it! My problem is filling those tiny cupcake/muffin pans. Sometimes I use a children’s plastic medicine cup.

    Reply
    • Katie says

      October 19, 2010 at 8:05 AM

      The smallest size PC scoop is perfect for mini muffins! There are 3 different sizes.

      Reply
  13. Ammie @ domesticallyobsessed.com says

    October 19, 2010 at 7:39 AM

    *Swwwwoooon*

    I love Pampered Chef. My girlfriend has a ton of their products and they really are amazing.

    Reply
  14. Estela @ Weekly Bite says

    October 19, 2010 at 7:27 AM

    I like using a scoop for my muffins, cupcakes and cookies too 🙂 It makes like a lot easier!

    Reply
  15. Barbara Bakes says

    October 19, 2010 at 7:07 AM

    I use scoops too. So much easier. Cute muffin papers.

    Reply
  16. Jessica Lynn says

    October 19, 2010 at 7:06 AM

    I love that idea, but since I’m left handed I have yet to find a scoop with a trigger that works for my left hand. And if I do find one, it’s ridiculously expensive. In the mean time I have to use a soup spoon and just spray it with Pam.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      October 20, 2010 at 5:14 AM

      I’m right-handed, but I have one that is similar to this: http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Stainless-Steel-Scoop-Tablespoons/dp/B00004UE84/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1287573111&sr=8-2 that seems like it would work for you. I just tried squeezing it with my left hand and it didn’t seem any more difficult than the way I normally do it…
      Hope this helps you. I love mine & couldn’t live without it. 🙂

      Reply
    • Krista says

      October 20, 2010 at 5:44 PM

      I’m also left-handed and I actually use a scoop very similar to the Norpro that is listed in the link from Kristin. It works awesome for our family where 2 of us are lefties and 2 are righties. Oxo makes them like that as well in varying sizes.

      Reply
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Katie Kick from Good Life Eats in her kitchen

Meet Katie Kick

Hi, I’m Katie! Thank you so much for visiting my corner of the internet. I am passionate about cooking delicious and beautiful, yet accessible, food for my family and friends. I love tasting new foods, discovering new places and things that help my family live that good life.

More about Katie
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